[Tearlachblair]

Can I use a basic screwdriver to loosen the screws on my BP revolver or will it damage the screw heads??

[Donny]

I've learned from hard experience that it's best to get a decent set of gunsmithing screw drivers, They don't need to be expensive just designed to do the job.

Don

[ElGuapo]

I learned this the hard way: DON'T USE REGULAR SCREWDRIVERS ON YOUR BP REVOLVER.

The thinnest common screwdriver probably won't fit properly into the thin slots (at least mine didn't). And at any rate, a good set of specialty gunsmith screwdrivers is a good investment for any gun owner.

I was lucky that I only striped the very top of a screw with my big ol honking electrician's screwdriver and I was still able to get it off. Also, the large grip and length of some screwdrivers don't give you precise control and it's easier to slip and scratch the finish on your gun.

I use the Chapman 8900 set and was very pleased with it. I got it at a local gun shop because it was the only thing they had and it turned out to be an awesome set. Their customer service is great, which is what impressed me. I broke a bit and called them to order a replacement, expecting that I'd have to pay since they don't explicitly guarantee to replace broken bits. Without me even asking, they sent it to me for free, shipping included.

A word of caution on gunsmith sets: Most bits are designed to break before they damage a screw or your gun. If you use TOO MUCH force you will break them. So I would advise, if you're a clumsy oaf like me, to get a few replacement bits to have on hand. It's not a defect, rather they are designed to do that. This is so you only break a $1 bit and not screw up (no pun int.) your expensive or historical gun.

You can find alot of sets at Midway here (http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=8&Categoryid=8832&categorystring=649***10398***).

Here is the Chapman (http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=510765) and their website is www.chapmanmfg.com (http://www.chapmanmfg.com/)

If I had to buy one again now, I would order the Chapman 9600($26) set from them(since I haven't seen it offered anywhere) since it's a little less expensive than their 8900($30) set and has extra slotted bits and dispenses with the hex bits.

Any good gunsmith set will do. I don't mean to sound like some shill for Chapman set, just passing along my experience with them as good and was impressed by their service which made me want to praise them.

My first post here, hidey to all. Just want to say I've found the information on BP guns here invaluable on my recently purchased and first BP gun: an Uberti Colt 1860 Army. :)

[Plink]

Donny is right. You need to get screwdrivers that fit properly or you'll end up tearing up your screws. There are gunsmithing sets available that aren't very pricey and it's sure worth having them in the long run.

[fineredmist]

Never use regular screwdrivers on any firearm as they were not intended for this type of work. A quality gunsmith set will have screwdrivers that are designed for the different styles of gun screws. If you look closely at the 2 types you will see that the gunsmith drivers have parallel surfaces where the standard is a straight taper. The taper has a tendency to twist out and mare the screw heads where the gunsmith is "fitted" to the slot and will stay in place. Spend a little money for a good set and you will never regret it.

[English Bob]

Get a good 'hollow ground' set of screwdriver bits Chapman, Lyman etc and if they don't fit the slot exactly grind them evenly so that they do. The screws on Itallian revolvers are not the strongest I have seen compared to American made screws so it's essential to have good fitting bits or they end up badly butchered. Mind you, since Uberti was bought out by Beretta, their quality seems to have improved no end to how they were 10 years ago, well in my limited experience anyway.

If you do make a mess of a screw you can always re-profile it. I use a set of needle files to remove any burrs and trim the slot. Once this is done, a nice way to get a good finish back on the head without flattening it is to simply use an eraser as a sanding block and some 600, then 1200 grade wet/dry paper. To put a finish back on, either use a good bluing cream or what I prefer is to simply fire-blue the screw.

[mec]

these kits are not very expensive. This one is from BSquare but they all are pretty similar:
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=51562&stc=1&d=1169214986

[sundance44s]

Use even the cheap set , and you`d be better for it ...got one from Walmart for 12 bucks looks like the pictured above ....cheaper than buying replacement screws ....Plus replacement screws are almost impossible to find locally .

[shoebox1.1]

i used the wrong screwdriver for my 1st teardown.. it worked but didnt do the screws any favors... so i got the chapman kit for 25.00 and i have to say its a nice tool!